The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. Wazio to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.
Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer here at Wazio Orthodontics. Early intervention allows Dr. Wazio to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results.
While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early intervention can be in your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The major advantage of early intervention is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early intervention prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Improves Confidence - It is natural for your child to struggle with self-esteem when they are growing up. Having crooked teeth can sometimes cause these insecurities resulting in your child having negative feelings towards their smile. Braces allow children to regain their confidence knowing that straight teeth are on the way.
Improves Speech - When a child has difficulty speaking, oftentimes people don’t link it to their teeth. However, if your child’s teeth or jaw are not properly aligned that could be the main cause of their speech difficulties. Correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaw while a child is still developing is the best way to ensure speech problems won’t follow them throughout their life.
Improves Oral Hygiene - With straight teeth your child is better able to thoroughly clean their entire mouth and reach those hard-to-reach areas. Straight teeth enable your child to floss with ease to ensure their mouth has been properly cleaned. Children who suffer from crooked teeth are much more likely to get tooth decay due to it being harder to brush. Braces and preventive dentistry are the best ways to ensure your child’s oral health is on the right track.
Improves Digestion - Having straight teeth and an aligned jaw allows your child to easily chew their food. Breaking food down into smaller pieces is best for their digestion, which in turn helps their overall development.
Improves Headaches and Neck Pain - If your child has frequent headaches or neck pain, it could be due to teeth grinding that they might not even be aware of. Grinding of the teeth is likely caused by an unaligned jaw. Through the help of braces, your child’s jaw will be shifted into its optimal placement which will relieve them of uncomfortable symptoms.
Improves Oral Habits - Thumb sucking is a natural reflex from birth to around age five, however, it is common for some children to suck their thumbs later on in life. If your child continues this a thumb sucking habit past the age of six, they are at a much greater risk of causing detrimental damage to their teeth. Braces are a fantastic way to break this habit for your child.
Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. Wazio may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.
Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded Teeth
- Excessively Spaced Teeth
- Extra or Missing Teeth
- Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth
Children between the ages of 7and 10 are best suited for early treatment. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made.
To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Wazio Orthodontics today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.
Wazio Orthodontics is located in Batavia and St. Charles, Illinois. We have been serving our community for many years and offer our patients the opportunity of affordable orthodontic services. We offer our patients the option of either getting traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. We strongly endorse interceptive care for our younger patients, but no matter what your age, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve.
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